Page 62 of Lucas
“You didn’t want to.” Ginger moved from watching him to marveling at the beauty of the place.
“Maybe this is a mistake.”
She laid a hand on his arm, her head swiveling to take it all in. “This is long overdue, and you know it.”
He gave her a side glance. “Maybe I should never have told you about her.”
She barked out a laugh. “And how long would that have lasted?” She sighed. “Neither of us are very good about talking about our past. But I feel better after sharing mine with you. I guess what they say is true.”
“What’s that?”
“Talking helps.”
He grunted. That sentiment wasn’t always true, but she was right this time. He had felt better talking to her about Rosalynn. And as much as his gut wrenched at seeing his sister after all thistime, he had to fix this chapter of his life. But as he pulled in front of the steps to the manor, he was second-guessing himself.
They’d left Bella and Jacques in downtown Chicago while they made the drive to Lake Forest for this surprise visit. The wait at the front gate had been surprisingly short considering he hadn’t called ahead. At this point, he was on a fifty-fifty split on whether he wanted his sister to be available.
He would have remained a statue in the driveway if Ginger hadn’t grabbed his hand to drag him up the steps where the doors immediately opened. A butler greeted them and directed them to a nearby room to wait.
He sat in one of the antique armchairs and watched Ginger flit about the room, investigating the artwork and the single bookcase.
They were there for five minutes before a tall vampire with broad shoulders, dark hair cut in a modern style, and a goatee strode in. He’d seen a picture of Mason Bertrand but wasn’t expecting the broad smile of welcome.
“Lucas Maynard. Welcome to our home. It’s been long overdue.” He held out his hand, and if his statement had anything to do with the distance that had built between Lucas and his sister, it wasn’t apparent.
The vampire had a powerful magnetism that made Lucas want to like him, but he continued to remain stubborn. He’d observe and hold his opinions until after he saw his sister.
“I’m sorry for the unexpected arrival.” He shook Mason’s hand and felt the power behind this House leader.
“Not at all. It’s not unusual for us to get visitors living so close to the city. You were lucky to catch us between trips, though we’ve reduced those lately. It’s nice to have the time to enjoy our home.”
He turned when Ginger stepped up to them. “And who is your beautiful companion?”
Ginger held out her hand. “Ginger Morrison of House Trelane.”
Mason kissed her hand, and his brow rose. “You’re human?”
“Yes.”
“Is that a problem?” Lucas wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect.
“No. Of course, not.” Mason didn’t seem startled by his question. “My security mentioned you were returning from an assignment. I don’t remember ever seeing a human deployed with cadre before.”
Lucas’s smile was tolerant. “She’s resourceful.”
“I see.” He turned to Ginger. “I didn’t mean to offend.”
“That’s alright. It still surprises me sometimes. Until I have to pull out my dagger.”
Mason laughed in delight and winked at Lucas. “I see what you mean.”
He waved for them to follow him as he led them through the light and airy manor. Flowers filled vases throughout the hallways and in some of the rooms Lucas glanced in. A definite feminine touch he attributed to Rosalynn.
“I thought this might be the best place to wait for Rosa. She spends a great deal of time in the solarium, and she sits by the window and stares at the garden.” The English-styled garden was impressive, with a multitude of flower beds, shade trees, benches, and a fountain centered in a small lake. “It always makes me nervous thinking she might be planning yet another redesign of the gardens. Not that there’s anything I can do about it.
“I believe our butler mentioned your sister was in a meeting. It’s a conference call with Zurich and Okinawa for some charitable foundations she operates. Rosa’s involved with so many it’s difficult to keep up with them all. But she should be done soon. I’ve asked for a tea service to be brought.” Hesnapped his fingers. “I’m afraid you caught me off my game. Will you be staying overnight? Perhaps a few days?”
“We didn’t want to intrude.” Lucas brushed imaginary lint from his pants. “We have urgent business and need to get back to House Trelane, but Chicago was on the way, and—” He didn’t know how to finish the statement. Maybe something along the lines of he’d been an ass to not speak with Rosalynn after all this time. That his neglect was his unresolved anger with his father and brothers, and he’d been taking it out on her.
